The campaigners called for restorative justice – when the trolls meet their victims so they might realise how devastating their comments can be.

The Crown Office are looking at new ways to apply anti-sectarian legislation which came into force in March 2012. There have been 148 convictions under the act so far.

Prosecutors are drafting clearer guidelines on offensive comments on social media.

The Crown Office spokesman added: “We are working on plans to publish further prosecution guidance relating to offensive comments made on social media and we are in the process of consulting with stakeholders.

“The idea from the Nil By Mouth organisation of using restorative justice is worthy of consideration in some cases.

“The more options available to the courts to help deal with sectarian abuse, the better.”

Dave Scott, of Nil By Mouth, said: “I’m pleased the Crown Office are seriously considering our proposals and we are grateful to the Record for its support for this campaign. We need a programme which forces offenders to explain themselves to victims and wider society.

“There can be no hiding place for bigotry.”

Four trolling cases came before courts last week.

David Limond, brother of TV comic Brian Limond, was jailed for a podcast vendetta against writer Angela Haggerty.

Michael Convery, 43, of Glasgow, got six months for a Twitter campaign against then Rangers players Maurice Edu and Kyle Bartley.